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June 18, 2007

Jodee's a role model
Graduate of Scott Steel Erectors program at The Centre makes good

On a cold November day, I stopped by a steel-building construction site in Burlington and was proud to see former student Jodee Hancock, spud wrench in hand, eagerly working at her new job as a pre-engineered metal building erector. This is her success story.

When asked why she chose this field, Jodee referred to her father who ran a steel company for 30 years: "He was a big influence in my life, being a jack of all trades." So, when she attended an information session, she signed up for the pre-apprenticeship program immediately. She was the only woman in a class of 20. "Being the only female made me want to be successful even more." It's that kind of attitude that made her a role model for the rest of her class and women who dare to enter this field.

Jodee attributes much of her success to the partnership program offered by the Centre for Skills Development & Training and Scott Steel Erectors. The literacy and basic skills component included essential skills, with an emphasis on document use, numeracy, and employability skills. Throughout the program, she also excelled in practical and theoretical aspects of constructing steel buildings. Seeing how well she did in our program, we were eager that she share her experiences about her learning curve.

How does she guarantee success? By being prepared, Jodee says. "I always carry with me, no matter what the job, a tape measure, pencil, marker, knife, nut drivers, bolt bag, and a couple of spuds. You never know what you'll be doing or where you'll be going, because it is a pretty fast paced environment, so it's better to always, always be equipped. I personally call my coveralls 'bibs.' If I'm sheeting, I call the screws 'bullets,' and my harness is my 'monkey suit,' because we joke you have to be half primate to do this job, the way we climb around on the iron."

Jodee has learned much wisdom as she overcomes barriers, such as being one of only four women out of 250 skilled workers on the job site. "Having faith gives me more drive," she says. "I have set my sights on being a foreperson when I am ready." She knows she must first master all the skills of the trade before taking on a new role, so apprenticing as a steel worker will be her main target for now. Her positive attitude stems from her personal tenets: "1. Be strong mentally. 2. Be confident in what you do and when you do these things, you will boost your self-esteem." She advises other females to set goals, both short- and long-term ones. In Jodee's view, "You can get a forklift or welding ticket or become a foreperson – the sky's the limit."

Having provided solid training and preparation in working smartly and safely, we at the Doorways Literacy and Basic Skills agency are proud to applaud and support this courageous, determined woman who has the right stuff to hold her own in the world of steel construction.

For more information on programs run by the Centre for Skills Development & Training in Burlington, contact Patricia Whyte, Coordinator of DoorWays Literacy and Basic Skills, at 905-333-3499, ext. 132, and check out www.thecentre.on.ca.

Also printed in Ontario Prospects 2007.